Sugar and Spite, Gail D. Villanueva
Sugar and Spite, Gail D. Villanueva
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Sugar and Spite

Author: Gail D. Villanueva

Narrator: Joy Regullano

Unabridged: 4 hr 13 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 04/20/2021


Synopsis

Can a bully be defeated by a magical love potion?Jolina can't take Claudine's bullying any longer! The taunts and teasing are too much. Though Jolina knows she's still in-training to use her grandfather's arbularyo magic, she sneaks into his potions lab to get her revenge. Jolina brews a batch of gayuma, a powerful love potion.And it works. The love potion conquers Claudine's hateful nature. In fact, Claudine doesn't just stop bullying Jolina-now she wants to be Jolina's BFF, and does everything and anything Jolina asks.But magic comes with a cost, and bad intentions beget bad returns. Controlling another person's ability to love-or hate-will certainly have consequences. The magic demands payment, and it is about to come for Jolina in the form of a powerful storm...Magic and reality mingle in this brilliant new middle-grade novel by Gail D. Villanueva that asks whether it's ever okay to take away someone's free will.

About Gail D. Villanueva

Gail D. Villanueva is a Filipino writer and artist based in the Philippines. She is the author of the 2023 Panda Book Awards shortlist title Sugar and Spite. Her debut novel, My Fate According to the Butterfly, was named a Best Book of the Year by Kirkus Reviews, an Amazon Best Book of the Month Editor’s Pick, an NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People, and a 2023 Sakura Medal nominee. Gail was born in Manila but was raised in Quezon City. She and her husband currently live in Rizal with their many pets—dogs, ducks, turtles, cats, bunnies, and random birds they befriend in the backyard. Learn more at gaildvillanueva.com.


Reviews

Goodreads review by b. ♡ on August 27, 2021

absolutely adorable, i LOVED the development of the two main characters claudine and jolina and watching their friendship blossom! also, as an animal lover and dog owner, this book will hold a special place in my heart (and the author’s note made me tear up 🥺)......more

Goodreads review by Spens on September 01, 2021

I received a DRC of this book from Edelweiss+. Video review: [URL not allowed] Yes, a 5-star read because not only was this book good, but it was a much-needed read for me. This book was an utter delight to read! Full of heart and quirky magic, this story of friendship is bound to resonate w......more

Goodreads review by Shealea on March 09, 2022

So good, so unapologetically Filipino, and so endearing! While Sugar and Spite focuses on the friendship between Jolina and Claudine, it's also an evocative story about magic and consequences. Final thoughts to follow. But offhand, I think you should pick up Sugar and Spite partly because my name is......more

Goodreads review by Kate on August 23, 2021

Sugar and Spite is the story of a young girl named Jolina who moves from Marikina to Isla Pagibig, an island in the province of Bicol. Adjusting from the big city to a small island town is difficult enough. But things are made even more difficult by two things. First, she’s the apprentice of her alb......more

Goodreads review by Anniek on May 17, 2021

I love how messy kid main characters are allowed to be, this was really great! Perfect for fans of Love Sugar Magic!!......more


Quotes

Praise for Sugar and Spite:"An utterly charming story that sparkles with magic!" -- Debbi Michiko Florence, author of Keep It Together, Keiko Carter"Gail Villanueva has written another wonderful tale steeped in magic, friendship, and family, and mixed with just the right amount of adventure and Filipino culture. A deliciously delightful read!" -- Bobbie Pyron, author of Stay"Sassy and sweet. Sugar and Spite blends family, friendship, meows, and woofs into a charming brew." -- Cindy Callaghan, author/creator of Just Add Magic and Saltwater Secrets* "A delightfully sweet mix of magic and friendship (and pets)." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewPraise for My Fate According to the Butterfly:An Amazon Best Book of the Month Editor's PickA Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the YearNCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People"Superstition, family, and friendship are the hallmarks of this remarkable debut. I adore Sab -- and readers will, too." -- Erin Entrada Kelly, Newbery Award-winning author of Hello, Universe"Gail Villanueva's debut novel captures all the richness of the Philippines, the heart-pounding thrills of a great mystery, and the warmth and wonder of growing up." -- Kate Messner, author of The Seventh Wish and Breakout"At once rich in the vibrant culture of the Philippines and universal in its focus on family and forgiveness, My Fate According to the Butterfly is a soaring tale of hope that will be sure to touch the hearts of all young readers." -- Ruth Behar, Pura Belpre Award-winning author of Lucky Broken Girl* "Villanueva's debut is a beautiful Own Voices middle-grade novel. Tough topics-the brutal war on drugs in the Philippines, family reconciliation, and recovery-are addressed, but warmth and humor... bring lightness to Sab's story. This immersive novel bursts with life." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review"Debut author Villanueva deftly incorporates a touch of the magical alongside vibrant details about contemporary Filipino life and a universal story about growing up, reconciliation, and family." -- Publishers Weekly"A gentle title that skillfully addresses difficult issues of drug addiction and family tension from the perspective of a young girl." -- School Library Journal